Political paralysis is derailing meaningful gun reform effort

Thursday

Mar 21, 2013 at 12:01 AMMar 21, 2013 at 9:11 PM

When Gov. Dannel P. Malloy came to Norwich two years ago for a town hall-style meeting to explain why he was proposing a massive $1.5 billion tax increase and demanding $2 billion in state employee union concessions, a large crowd descended on City Hall.

RAY HACKETT

When Gov. Dannel P. Malloy came to Norwich two years ago for a town hall-style meeting to explain why he was proposing a massive $1.5 billion tax increase and demanding $2 billion in state employee union concessions, a large crowd descended on City Hall.
The City Council Chambers, where the meeting was scheduled, quickly reached capacity within minutes of the doors opening. An overflow room was set up down the hall where those unable to get into the chambers could listen and view the proceedings. But less then five minutes into the forum, the audio and video feed failed.
The Council Chambers will again serve as the venue for tonight’s Town Hall meeting, the third in a series of statewide forums the governor is hosting this year.
It’s an odd choice given the limited capacity of the room and past problems, never mind the limited parking around City Hall, and especially in light of the fact that more spacious and convenient venues are available, such as the 800-seat Kelly Middle School auditorium — which just so happens to be available this evening.
Based on the turnout at forums in Middletown and New Britain earlier this month, there is every reason to believe tonight’s turnout will be just as robust — and with the controversy over gun reform proposals dominating much, if not all, of tonight’s discussion.
Although public opinion — based on polls — shows a majority of Connecticut residents favor tougher gun laws, gun owners, gun manufacturers and their employees have staged large rallies demonstrating strong opposition to any reforms.
The whole gun debate has become stalled by political paralyses and controversy, leaving some to wonder what, if any reforms, are even possible at this point beyond a final package consisting of watered-down changes to existing laws that will accomplish little.
Legislative leaders, pursuing their own reform package, have been unable to reach any consensus on a bipartisan approach despite meeting behind closed doors for nearly two weeks now.
The governor’s appointed Sandy Hook Task Force issued its recommendations this week, adding fuel to the controversy by proposing sweeping reforms that go well beyond that of the measures endorsed by the governor, including making illegal all guns — rifle and handguns — capable of firing 10 or more rounds before reloading, and raising the thought that, if approved, those weapons could then be confiscated.
The governor has stated repeatedly (including in a videotaped meeting with The Bulletin’s editorial board last week, www.norwichbulletin.com) that he has no desire or plans to confiscate anyone’s guns. In fact, he’s insisting that ownership of any weapon added to the state’s assault weapon ban prior to the changes taking effect will be grandfathered.
The problem is no one seems to be listening — and we don’t even know yet if the audio feed will be working this time.
Ray Hackett is The Bulletin’s editorial page editor. He has more than 25 years covering Connecticut politics. He can be reached at (860) 425-4225 or rhackett@norwichbulletin.com.